History Matters

Early modern parish libraries, frequently established for the benefit of the general public, were often deliberately inaccessible.

The introduction of chocolate to the Catholic world caused a dilemma: could it be eaten? Should it be given up for Lent?

Sherlock Holmes is the 19th century’s most famous cocaine user, but why did he take it? 

Newly discovered letters get us closer to understanding the tragic truth of royal murder-suicide at Mayerling.

The first Native American troops to enlist for Federal service were fighting to return to their own lands.

Cloves, grown in Indonesia, crossed the globe in the Middle Ages, showing how interconnected the medieval world was.

Inspired by the fashion for Boy Scout groups, Lord Beaverbrook started his own youth movement in support of his pro-Empire campaign. 

In 1935 Stalin declared ‘life has become better’. This was clearly not the case for everyone, but feelings had to be expressed very carefully.

Recently discovered papyri give unprecedented insight into the lives of the workers building the Great Pyramid of Giza.

The ayah is a familiar figure of the Raj. While new research shows they were much less common than once thought, it has also shed fresh light on their lives and experiences.